The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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inside michigan athletics Michigan Hires New Track And Field Coach Michigan has tabbed Jerry Clayton to run its men's track and field program following the retirement of Fred LaPlante in early June. Clayton spent the past 15 years an assistant coach at Auburn. "Jerry brings a wealth of experience as an assistant and head coach at the highest levels of collegiate track and field," U-M athletics director David Brandon said in an official release. "Jerry has achieved success at every program he has been associated with during his extensive coaching career. "Jerry's leadership will aid us in the development of our program and help position us to compete for Big Ten championships on a regular basis." Specializing in the field, sprints and hurdles events while coaching both the men's and women's teams, Clayton helped produce 16 individual national champions, 33 Olympians and World Championship participants, 85 All-Americans and 112 conference champs. During Clayton's tenure, Auburn won the 2006 women's outdoor national title while the Tigers had 18 top-10 finishes and 10 top-five finishes at indoor and outdoor NCAA meets (in both men's and women's track and field). Clayton attended Illinois and was a two-time NCAA qualifier in the shot put. His wife, Becky, was a three-time All-American long jumper with the Illini. "My wife and I are excited to repre- sent the University of Michigan and to return to competition in the Big Ten Conference," Clayton said. "Michigan is an elite athletic and academic institution that offers a strong track and field tradition. I'm excited about the potential that exists for the men's track and field team and look forward to getting to work building the next generation of student-athletes." LaPlante served as the Michigan head coach for five seasons before announcing his leave June 10. "I have enjoyed my experience with all of University of Michigan athletics and especially the men's track and field program," LaPlante said in a release. "I want to thank the student-athletes and fellow coaches that I have been fortunate enough to work with as well as all those who work and have worked in the athletic department, including administrators and support staff. "I'm sure the program will move forward with great success in the future, and I wish the very best for everyone." Longtime head coach Ron Warhurst's chief assistant, in charge of the sprint events, for 11 years, LaPlante replaced his mentor in 2009. He guided the Wolverines to second-place finishes at the Big Ten Indoor and Outdoor Championships in his first season. However, the Wolverines struggled in the years since, finishing no higher than eighth in either meet while failing to place among the nation's top 25 teams during his entire tenure.